John Galliano fired by Christian Dior

John Galliano has been sacked by Christian Dior following allegations that he made anti-semitic remarks.

The designer was suspended by the fashion house last week after it was alleged he had hurled racial insults at a couple in Paris. A video later surfaced in which he allegedly made further anti-semitic comments.

Christian Dior has now announced that it has begun proceedings to sever its relationship with Galliano.

In a statement, chief executive Sidney Toledano said: "Today, because of the particularly odious nature of the behavior and words of John Galliano in a video made public this Monday, the Christian Dior house has decided to lay him off immediately and has begun firing procedures against him."

The fashion house's decision comes after Natalie Portman, the face of Miss Dior Cherie, issued her own statement, claiming to be "disgusted and shocked" by the video footage.

"In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr Galliano in any way," she said. "I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful."

Galliano, who has denied making anti-semitic remarks, has yet to publicly respond to his termination.

Christian Dior is due to present its new collection at Paris Fashion Week on Friday.